Careers in Law Enforcement: Opportunities Abound

National Police Week (May 12-18) offers all of us an opportunity to
honor the men and women who invest themselves in our community for the
common good, often at risk of their own safety and well-being. But it
can also be a time to reflect on the nature of and opportunities in
police work and consider whether a career in law enforcement might be
right for you.

If you think you already know what police work is all about, consider
the possibility that your impressions may have been formed by fictional
characters you have seen on television and in movies, and likely does
not represent the full spectrum of responsibilities that officers
shoulder on our behalf.

Fundamentally, police (or perhaps better stated, peace) officers work in
partnership with the community to protect public safety and welfare.
You will encounter them as they patrol the streets, respond to calls for
assistance, maintain order (think crowd control at local events like
Mardi Gras), settle disputes peacefully, direct traffic, interview
potential witnesses and write reports, and perform myriad additional
functions that maintain civil society. Self-possession, advanced
interpersonal skills, shrewd problem solving abilities, and a genuine
desire to serve are all qualities and abilities that officers must
possess to be able to work effectively with the varied cross-section of
the population that he or she encounters on a daily basis.

Given the advanced and specialized abilities required, it's clear why
Orleans Parish requires its police recruits to be at least 20 years old,
to possess a high school diploma or G.E.D., and to have earned at least
60 hours of college credits. Specific application requirements vary by
locale and law enforcement entity, but all require candidates to pass
physical and psychological tests. Applicants must also take the Civil
Service exam and undergo a background check.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are nearly 800,000
police officers employed in the United States today, with the number
projected to grow about 7% through 2018. Though that growth percentage
lags behind the job market in general, the reason is not demand, but
government budget issues. No one can confidently predict how those
issues may be resolved in coming years.

Nonetheless, pay for police officers is encouraging. Nationally, the
median income for police officers of all ranks is about $55,000. In
Orleans Parish, police recruits earn $35,297 per year and newly minted
officers earn $43,070 per year. Salaries increase according to a pre-set
schedule as officers are promoted to higher ranks. For more about employment with the New Orleans Police Department, go to http://new.nola.gov/nopd/join-nopd/.

Serving on a local police force is just one possibility in a wide
spectrum of choices for those interested in law enforcement careers.
Other careers in law enforcement include jobs in
the parish and state arenas, such as state troopers, Wildlife and
Fisheries agents, sheriff's deputies, probation officers, and
corrections officers. Nationally, the Federal Bureau of Investigation,
Central Intelligence Agency, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Secret Service, the US Marshal
Service, US Park service, US Customs and Immigration, the Department of
Homeland Security, and the Transportation Safety Administration all
employ those with careers in law enforcement. This list only includes
jobs in the public sector: The private sector also offers opportunities
in security.

Surveys conclude that there are a variety of reasons in addition to
idealistic ones that law enforcement careers appeal to so many people.
You'll work a varied schedule (ideal if the idea of 9 ," 5 at a desk is
daunting), meet people from all walks of life, and develop a genuine
camaraderie with your fellow officers. Each new day will likely bring
with it new challenges. And benefits ," including a clear advancement
protocol, continuing education, medical, dental, retirement and vacation
," all exceed those in many other sectors.

If you have spent a few years in the military and miss it, you will be
especially welcomed in law enforcement. Some programs consider military
service as a suitable substitute for college credits upon application.

Check nola.com/jobs and The Times-Picayune classified ads for jobs available in law enforcement and/or security.